Template:Otitis Externa Antibiotics

  1. Ofloxacin 5 drops in affected ear BID x 7 days (Floxin otic)[1]
    • Safe with perforations
  2. Ciprofloxacin-hydrocortisone 3 drops in affected ear BID x 7 days
    • Contains hydrocortisone to promote faster healing
    • Not recommended for perforation since non-sterile preparation
  3. Ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone 4 drops in affected ear BID x 7 days
    • Similar to Cipro HC but safe for perforations
    • Often more expensive
  4. Cortisporin otic 4 drops in ear TID-QID x 7days (neomycin/polymixin B/hydrocortisone)
    • Use suspension (NOT solution) if possibility of perforation
    • Animal studies suggest possible toxicity from the neomycin although rigorous data is lacking[2]

Pediatric: Same topical regimens apply to children

  1. Ofloxacin 5 drops (>12yr) or 3 drops (<12yr) in affected ear BID x 7 days
  2. Ciprofloxacin 3-4 drops in affected ear BID x 7 days (with dexamethasone or hydrocortisone)
  1. Clinical Practice Guideline: Acute Otitis Externa Executive Summary. Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery 2014 150: 161 DOI: 10.1177/0194599813517659 PDF
  2. Wright, C. et al. Ototoxicity of neomycin and polymyxin B following middle ear application in the chinchilla and baboon. Am J Otol. 1987 Nov;8(6):495-9.